"The National Marine Aquarium - Stunning Pics!!" Top 5 Page for this destination Plymouth Things to Do Tip by johngayton

The National Marine Aquarium here in Plymouth's Barbican claims to be "One of Devon's Finest Attractions" and it certainly is impressive.

The living exhibits cover all aspects of sea life from plankton to sharks and are presented in a variety of ways from small individual tanks, open pools and the main attraction (if you'll forgive the pun) of the undersea experience. Everything is displayed in as natural a setting as possible and the experience is often almost like being a diver, except that you don't get wet.

This a thing to do for all the family and staff seem particularly keen to engage the younger children in the interactive aspects that the aquarium offers. Photography is encouraged and because of the way the tanks are lit there is no need to use flash (which is strictly not allowed anyway).

Everything is well signed and there is a lot of simple to understand educational background and there are also several daily lectures and shows which can include feeding times.

At £11.50 for an adult ticket (less 10% if booked online) this isn't particularly cheap but your ticket can be converted into a pass (for no extra charge) which allows as many repeat visits as you wish for the ensuing 12 months.

As well as the exhibits there's also a cafe, gift shop, kids play area and an outside picnic area which overlooks the Sound.

The only problem I had with visiting this was that it made me hungry - and so it was straight off to the Barbican Fish and Chip Shop afterwards!

Address: Rope Walk, Coxside
Directions: In the Barbican, just off Sutton Harbour. Website has all the details regarding getting there.
Website: http://www.national-aquarium.co.uk/